1. To you, what’s the key to great black metal? What do you think about the french black-metal bands (Spektr, Blut Aus Nord, Deathspell Omega, Arkhon Infaustus, Glorior Belli, etc.)?
I am a very big fan of French black metal. Some of the most immensely dark and honest black metal has, in my opinion, come from France. I have the utmost respect for some of these acts and I think their approach is unrivaled. Deathspell Omega and Blut Aus Nord both, for example, create something that is massively unconventional yet retains the essence of what black metal is. Black metal can be many things - sorrowful, anguished, aggressive but The essence of black metal to me is total darkness. Deathspell Omega are so dark that to me it is the audial equivalent of a void or even death. I know that satanism is an integral part of what black metal is, especially with many French acts, but to me that is just a part of it's final work.
2. What is your relationship with Tom Gabriel Fischer? What are the memories that you keep at this festival Roadburn? Your show were just incredible...
We were contacted by Tom via the Roadburn guys. It came at us very much out of the blue but of course we were all very flattered when we heard from him. The Roadburn festival was an incredible experience, if not somewhat tumultuous due to the volcanic eruption causing a number of acts, and ticket holders, to miss the festival. That aside, we met many great people and watched many great bands. It truly is one of a kind event. I have never before wittness anything of that scale so easily retaining a very calm and positive atmoshpere.
3. How was your tour with Year of No Light? Pierre told me that you were unbeatable for drinking alcohol!
It was excellent and was one of my favourite tours. Year of No Light are all great people and I thought that we complimented eachother in a live setting. As Irishmen perhaps we may have a naturaly affinity towards alcohol consumption.
4. Do you have a preference for their album "Nord" or for "Ausserwelt"? You realize together a split: you think Year of No Light and Altar of Plagues have the same approach to music?
I enjoy both very much, but I must admit to not yet having given "Ausserwelt" the attention it deserves. I have been away from my turntable for much of this year there is a lot of music I have yet indulge in. Having seen the new material live for the duration of the tour, I find it is almost more celestial than 'Nord', yet even more crushing. The removal of vocals is seamless. Yes, we will eventually have a split together although our contribution is taking us some time to get around to as we have had our plate full for much of this year with touring and recording.
4". And how was your U.S. tour? Major differences with Europe? You are wondering about the ecological consequences of your actions (fly across the Atlantic, make thousands of miles by bus, etc.)?
Our U.S tour was excellent and we look forward to returning there. It is quite different to Europe. One of my favourite things about Europe is how culturally vibrant it is. While each state in the U.S certainly posses its own character, the changes in people and culture and far less appartent when compared to Europe.
I would be lying if I said I was thinking about the ecological consequences of 'carbon footprint'. Unfortunately at this point in time there is no alternative to flying to the U.S and this was a pursuit we wished to undertake.
5. Are you receptive to writers who criticize industrial society and (new) technology? What is your opinion on the French writer Jacques Ellul?
It's funny that you should mention Jacques Ellul as I have only just recently began to delve into his writings. As a christian anarchist, he was certainly coming from a different place to many of his peers. I see industry as more of a threat than technology, and while both are intrinsically linked, they are also different entities. Something that I do not relate to in his writings is his viewing of technology as tyranny. I understand his viewpoint, but I do not view technology as such an immediate threat, but a threat to be later controlled. I think mankind's problem has always been control over the spread of industry, which is linked to our control over population growth. This then becomes a discussion on anthropology and we could spend some time debating.In the coming years (or even months as I return to University) I will immerse myself in as much relevant writings as I can manage, I have much to learn and at this point in time and I feel as though my learning is in it's infancy. Industry and technology exist and they will not go anywhere. The human race would perish were it to be taken from us. We need contemporary thinkers to embrace what exists today and use it to eventually return this place to a more natural way. That said, I use the word 'eventually' yet perhaps there is no time for that, perhaps 'now' would be more appropriate.
6. What is your opinion about Ted Kaczynski? Are you receptive to the ideas of anarcho-primitivism (with an author like John Zerzan, for example)?
I believe that we are entering an era of extremes. We have reached an apex (or as Zerzan puts it, a Rubicon from which there is no turning back) in our existence and things must change. Our world is now so flooded with people (and consequently all the things we deem necessary for us to live) that there is simply no way that civilisation could make the sort of union that is needed in order to change anything. It is just not a realistic outlook. All we really need is for everyone to be more in tune - to think, to understand, to be selfless - and then the world around you to create it's own chaos.The unabomber was a very radical individual with a radical but well considered philosophy. I do not believe in violence of any form, and while I do respect individuals who are willing to commit to what they truly believe in, I do not see violence as justifiable. I do understand how violence is the end result of desperation. How long should it take before a person is not longer willing to lie down? The world is crying out for strong people. Instead we all sit on our couch and tune in to the latest oil spill, flood, war. But don't worry someone else will fix it, what difference will I make? Perhaps lisolation and utter desparation drove him to do what he did. Maybe he was just a very well educated mad man. Zerzan summed it up quite well in saying that Kaczynski's collateral harm was not justifiable. I have learnt a deal of information in reading a small number of Zerzan's books although at this point in time I think that his outlook is too negative. But again, I have much to read.As far as my views on anarcho-primitivism, firstly I will say that I have never, nor ever will, wish to affiliate myself with any set belief system. I enjoy my freedom and I have yet to ever meet a cohesive collective. Even though all of these groups claim to be walking the same path, when it gets down to the individual persons then they are not. Just look at the number of different schools of though exist for Anarchism alone. It seems to me that people adopt these titles as fashion accessories. Many of these places serve as breeding ground for foolish and dangerous ideas and I want nothing to do with such things. All I have ever wanted is to learn from all that I see, hear, and read, and I do what I can to make a good live my myself and those I care about. On of my favourite texts is "Walden - or life in the woods"by Henry David Thoreau . That to me, is a sort of primitivism we can work towards, something we can achieve today. It is a very realistic goal. I don't believe in any of the radical nonsense that gets thrown around, and in many way primitivism an anarchy are unrelated.
7. Do you think the violence used by Ted has discredited his philosophy/ideas? Radical but well considered philosophy as you rightly pointed out... many people considered him a fool, without even knowing he had formulated concepts relevant.
There is no question about - his violence was a total discredit to his philosophy and ultimately it worked against him instead of in his favour. He had some excellent insights to share but again, there is no denying that he may have also been a madman.
8. I also think that "Walden - or life in the woods" by Thoreau is a major work. What is your opinion on his essay "Civil Disobedience"? Do you think this text is still relevant in 2010?
"Civil Disobedience" is an extremely important and brave work which proved to be very influential. Much of what is talked about is still relevant today.
.sialla
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire